I found a turtle in a pond 1 1/2 years ago. He was inside of a plastic bag. Normally I would never take an animal from the wild but this one was so tiny and in a place where any kid could catch him. So I brought him home and he is thriving. He's grown to 4 times his original size. I am wondering if I should let him go somewhere safe. It's getting to be colder out and I don't want him to die. Will he know to hibernate? Should I wait until spring? Or just keep him forever?
If it matters, he's a basic painted turtle.
Thanks.
2006-09-11 11:47:44 · 7 answers · asked by Amy T 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
if you care about him, and you really want to keep him, then keep him forever.
if you think he should live in the wild, then let him go in the spring.
2006-09-11 11:50:55 · answer #1 · answered by Ash~ley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reptiles have has hundreds of millions years to develop thier instinct. Takes more than that to lose instinct. But if you have had him that long why put him back. It's apparent you care for your turtle so why get rid of him? They dont get to be monsters like a snapper does. I've never seen one as big as half a shoebox so he will not get too big. Keep him and love him, he will be a great pet. Or let him go if you are tired of him. Neither will bother him the choice is yours really. But if you are going to put him back, wait until spring. He should know to hibernate, but better safe than sorry.
2006-09-11 19:27:05 · answer #2 · answered by bobby h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After this much time in captivity...
- he has picked up diseases that he is resistant to but his wild counterparts will not be.
- he will have trouble re-learning the territory enough to find a good hibernation site, food supply, hiding places, etc.
It would be best to see if anyone will take it for you. If you feel you want to release it anyway, look for a city park to help minimize the disease issues.
2006-09-13 12:56:04 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turtles never lose their instincts.let him go b4 time to hibernate,he'll be just fine.in fact,indoor heating is unsafe for hibernating turtles,it messes their metabolism up.dont make the mistake i made when i was 10,my turtle died in hibernation.to be sure,call ur nearest science museum(or email them) and /or local wildlife rehabilatator or veterinarian,they'll tell u what the best action would be.
2006-09-11 18:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think that they lose their instincts but i think its too late in the year to release him, best to wait till spring
2006-09-12 03:36:12 · answer #5 · answered by Loollea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn him into the zoo, or pet store.
2006-09-11 18:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by Wise ol' owl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just keep him forever he is happy with you. that is why he does so well.
2006-09-12 00:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by Samantha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋